fiat

[fee-aht, -at, fahy-uht, -at]

noun

1. an authoritative decree, sanction, or order.

   a royal fiat.

   Synonyms: ukase, diktat, mandate, ruling, directive, authorization

2. a fixed form of words containing the word fiat, by which a person in authority gives sanction, or authorization.

3. an arbitrary decree or pronouncement, especially by a person or group of persons having absolute authority to enforce it.

   The king ruled by fiat.

fiat

/ ˈfaɪət, -æt /

noun

1. official sanction; authoritative permission

2. an arbitrary order or decree

3. literary,  any command, decision, or act of will that brings something about

Word History and Origins

Origin of fiat¹

First recorded in 1625–35; from Latin: “let it be done,” 3rd-person singular present subjunctive of fierī “to become”

Word History and Origins

Origin of fiat¹

C17: from Latin, literally: let it be done, from fierī to become

Example Sentences

Counteracting this fiat currency debasement explains why Howell thinks “it’s not just a question of gold or bitcoin; it’s a question of gold and bitcoin.”

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Inflation is still elevated and long-term confidence in fiat currencies are under pressure, so silver’s risk-reward profile is “compelling,” said Rhind.

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“Under binding Supreme Court precedent, a State may not, by legislative fiat, reopen time-barred claims and transfer property whose ownership is already vested,” the museum argued.

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But there are limits to what he can do by executive fiat, as we will learn when the Supreme Court rules on challenges to his orders.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Loose liquidity continues to support Bitcoin as an alternative to fiat and gold as a debasement hedge.”

Read more on Barron's